Casio launching new Celviano digital pianos

Together with the new Privia PX-830 digital stage piano, Casio has introduced its latest Celviano digital pianos, the AP-620, AP-420 and AP-220 models.

In a compact case design not dissimilar to the Privia PX-830, features include a four-layer dynamic stereo piano sample, 128 note polyphony, 88-note Tri-Sensor scaled hammer keyboard, plus a resonance effect that mimics the sound of the dampers being released from the strings.

Available from the spring with prices ranging from $899.99 to $1,399.99.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Casio shows off new Privia PX-830 digital stage piano

About six months have passed since Casio launched its last Privia digital stage pianos and now we have the PX-830 to peruse.

Casio has certainly pulled out all the stops with this one, which offers four-layer dynamic stereo piano samples with seamless transitions and a wide dynamic range — in other words, more realism.

In-built is the simulated sound of open strings when the dampers are raised, thanks to the Acoustic Resonance DSP.

128 notes of polyphony should ensure complex performances, pedal use, and layered sounds don’t result in dropped notes.

How an instrument feels to play is critically important, and Casio’s “Ivory Touch” Tri-Sensor scaled hammer action keys should satisfy in that department.

There are 16 tones built in, a duet mode that allows simultaneous playing by two people in the same range, plus a two-track recorder.

Available from April, with a price tag of $1799.99 for the black polished cabinet edition or $1399.99 for the black matte version.

Casio

Popularity: 1% [?]

Yamaha introduces new CP series of digital stage pianos

Yamaha has announced a redesigned series of CP digital stage pianos, including the CP1, CP5 and CP50.

The top-of-line CP1 features the new NW-STAGE weighted wooden keys plus Yamaha’s new Spectral Component Modelling process which is touted to reproduce the sound and expressiveness of acoustic and vintage electronic pianos better than any previous audio technology.

It replicates the instrument’s physical components, including the hardness of the hammers, resonance of the sound board and the striking position of the hammers, for an ultra-realistic tone generation.

If that weren’t enough, there’s also Virtual Circuit Modelling which replicates the effect units, amplifiers, compressors, EQ and other equipment that were so essential in creating many of those legendary vintage sounds.

Finally, there’s a huge range of effects including VCM emulations of a number of historic pedals.

With all that on board, it’s good to know there’s 128-note polyphony to play with.

The CP5 and CP50 offer a slightly cut down range of features.

The CP1 is available now, while the CP5 and CP50 are expected in April.

Check out the full specifications of the keyboards below:

CP1 Specifications
Keyboards		88 keys, NW-STAGE keyboard (Wooden synthetic ivory weighted keyboard)
Maximum Polyphony		128
Tone Generator		SCM
Performances	Preset	16 x 3 groups
	User	16 x 3 groups
	External	16 x 3 groups
	Parts	2
	Voice Block	17 piano types
	Modulation Effect Block	10 types
	Power Amplifier / Compressor Block	8 types
	Reverb	8 types
	Master Compressor	–
	Master Equalizer	5–band
Rhythm	Number of Kits	–
	Number of Patterns	–
Display		55 character x 2 lines, VFD
Controllers		Pitch bend wheel, Master volume, Knobs 1 to 6
Connectors	Output	PHONES L/MONO,R (Unbalanced) L, R (Balanced)
	Foot Switch	SUSTAIN, SOSTENUTO, SOFT, ASSIGNABLE
	Foot Controller	x 2
	Mic Input	–
	MIDI	IN, OUT, THRU
	USB	TO HOST, TO DEVICE
Power Consumption		16W
Dimensions (W x D x H; not including pedal unit)		1,385 x 420 x 173 mm
Weight (not including pedal unit)		27.2 kg
Additional Package Contents		Power cord, Pedal unit, Illustrated Guide to the CP1 booklet, Owner’s Manual, Data List booklet, Software DVD-ROM*
* Software DVD-ROM: Steinberg Cubase AI DAW Software.

CP5 Specifications
Keyboards		88 keys, NW-STAGE keyboard (Wooden synthetic ivory weighted keyboard)
Maximum Polyphony		128
Tone Generator		SCM + AWM2
Performances	Preset	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	User	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	External	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	Parts	6
	Voice Block	17 piano voices + 305 other voices
	Modulation Effect Block	49 types
	Power Amplifier / Compressor Block	8 types
	Reverb	8 types
	Master Compressor	3-band
	Master Equalizer	5–band
Rhythm	Number of Kits	14
	Number of Patterns	100
Display		24 character x 2 lines, VFD
Controllers		Pitch bend wheel, Master volume, Knobs 1 to 3, Part volume x 6, Gain Master equalizer x 5
Connectors	Output	PHONES L/MONO,R (Unbalanced) L, R (Balanced)
	Foot Switch	SUSTAIN, ASSIGNABLE
	Foot Controller	x 2
	Mic Input	x 1
	MIDI	IN, OUT, THRU
	USB	TO HOST, TO DEVICE
Power Consumption		25W
Dimensions (W x D x H; not including pedal unit)		1,381 x 405 x 174 mm
Weight (not including pedal unit)		25.2 kg
Additional Package Contents		Power cord, Foot pedal FC3, Owner’s Manual, Owner’s Manual CD-ROM, Software DVD-ROM*
* Software DVD-ROM: Steinberg Cubase AI DAW Software.

CP50 Specifications
Keyboards		88 keys, GH keyboard
Maximum Polyphony		128
Tone Generator		SCM + AWM2
Performances	Preset	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	User	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	External	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	Parts	3
	Voice Block	12 piano voices + 215 other voices
	Modulation Effect Block	49 types
	Power Amplifier / Compressor Block	–
	Reverb	8 types
	Master Compressor	3-band
	Master Equalizer	3–band
Rhythm	Number of Kits	14
	Number of Patterns	100
Display		24 character x 2 lines, VFD
Controllers		Pitch bend wheel, Master volume, Knobs 1 to 3, Part volume x 3, Master equalizer x 5
Connectors	Output	PHONES L/MONO,R (Unbalanced)
	Foot Switch	SUSTAIN, ASSIGNABLE
	Foot Controller	x 1
	Mic Input	–
	MIDI	IN, OUT, THRU
	USB	TO HOST, TO DEVICE
Power Consumption		7W
Dimensions (W x D x H; not including pedal unit)		1,381 x 332 x 165 mm
Weight (not including pedal unit)		20.9 kg
Additional Package Contents		Power adaptor PA-150 (or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha), Foot pedal FC3, Owner’s Manual, Owner’s Manual CD-ROM, Software DVD-ROM*
* Software DVD-ROM: Steinberg Cubase AI DAW Software.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Yamaha intros YDP-V420 Arius Ensemble digital piano

Yamaha has announced its latest Arius Ensemble digital piano, the YDP-V420.

It attempts to bridge the gap between a high-quality digital piano and the versatility of other keyboards, by including a wide range of high-quality sounds and accompaniment styles as well as cutting edge digital piano touch and sound.

As you’d expect from Yamaha, you get a great 88-key Graded Hammer Standard action and AWM sounds. You also get some of the best from Yamaha’s other keyboard instruments, such as 131 voices that include Sweet, Cool and Live voices, 191 interactive auto-accompaniment styles, plus XGlite song file compatibility that allows professionally-produced MIDI files to be loaded on to the instrument.

Full specifications should be available nearer to launch date, expected March 2010. As well as the spinet style cabinet, the set up comes with a padded bench.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Korg intros minimalist SP170 digital piano

Korg’s latest addition to its line of digital pianos is the SP170, a full-size keyboard that minimises distraction by doing away with control panels in favour of emphasising the keys and sound system.

If you’re after a simple keyboard where attention has been paid more to the feel and sound than additional features, the SP170 could be for you.

The ten sounds — two acoustic pianos, two electric pianos, harpsichord, clavichord, vibraphone, pipe organ, electric organ and strings — are selectable via the keys themselves, eliminating the need for buttons and leaving more room for the two 10cm x 5cm oval speakers, driven by 9W x 2 amplifier. There’s a reasonable 120 note polyphony (60 notes per stereo channel).

Korg has implemented its Natural Weighted Hammer Action system which promises a realistic feel — keys in the lower range are more heavily weighted than those in the upper range. Then again, every digital piano manufacturer offers something like this now, so you’ll need to play one to see if the feel is right for you.

Other functions include transposition, pitch control, MIDI output and damper pedal jack (just one pedal, it seems). Also two headphone/line out jacks.

It’s available in either black or white finish, weighs in at just under 27lbs and measures 51.65″ (W) × 12.8″ (D) × 5.24″ (H).

It has a RRP of $499.99.

Product page

Popularity: 2% [?]

Synth Basics: What is polyphony?

Whenever you buy a new digital piano, keyboard or synthesiser, one of its key specifications is the amount of polyphony.

But what exactly is polyphony?

In pure musical terms, polyphony is used to describe two or more independent melodic voices. This is in contrast to monophony (a single voice) or homophony (a single melody with chords).

However, when it comes to electronic musical instruments, we’re simply concerned with how many tones can be sounded at any one time.

These sounds don’t have to be melodic — in fact they don’t even necessarily have to be audible to the human ear!

Polyphony is the number of sounds an instrument can generate simultaneously.

That’s the theory, and in principle it’s pretty simple. In practice, however, things get a bit more complicated.

Let’s take a look at a digital piano. It may say that it has 64 note polyphony. That sounds rather a lot, right? After all, you only have ten fingers so you can’t play more than ten notes at any one time.

Correct — in part.

However, consider how most pianists play the piano, with judicious use of the sustain (damper) pedal.

Now consider that, in a digital piano (as opposed to an acoustic one, which effectively has unlimited polyphony) every single note counts towards the total polyphony from the moment it is first played, when a key is struck, to the moment its sound finally decays.

Long passages of music with heavy use of sustain could have tens or even hundreds of notes sounding at any one time, which is why a high polyphony count is generally considered a good thing.

If any instrument “runs out of sounds”, then generally new sounds take priority and currently playing sounds are abruptly cut off. This can produce an unnatural, clipped sound.

Now let’s look at a synthesiser instrument.

You may assume that every note you play is a single sound, but your selected sound might be a composite of several sounds. That eats into polyphony.

As a further complication, some manufacturers “bank” polyphony into two or more groups. So, an instrument that claims 128 notes of polyphony may in fact offer two distinct groups of 64 notes. Some sounds may be available in one group but not the other, so, depending on which sounds you select, you may not always get full polyphony.

Now consider the use of rhythm and other accompaniments on home keyboards.

Every auto-accompaniment you play could be using multiple sounds at any one time, reducing the amount of polyphony remaining for the sounds you wish to play over the top.

And finally, it’s fairly obvious that if you are using either an on-board sequencer, or one on your computer that uses the keyboard’s own sounds, then you’ll need more polyphony in order to play two or more tracks of sounds simultaneously.

So, when purchasing a keyboard instrument or synth unit, consider its polyphony and whether it will be sufficient for your needs.

Generally, the higher polyphony the better, though you will pay more for the privilege.

Image by Horla Varlen

Popularity: 3% [?]

Casio intros two new stage pianos: PX-130 and PX-330

Rather quietly, with no obvious press release, Casio last week announced the latest in its line of Privia stage/studio digital pianos.

The PX-130 and PX-330 are relatively lightweight, portable block digital pianos featuring realistic grand piano sounds, a range of other voices, expressive touch thanks to the Tri-Sensor 88-note scaled hammer action keyboard, plus built-in recorder and MIDI.

The full specifications for both models are below:

PX-130 technical specifications

Keyboard	88 keys, weighted scaled hammer action
Sound Source	4 level stereo samples, Linear Morphing System
Acoustic Resonance	Yes
Polyphony (maximum)	128
Tones	16
Reverb	4 types
Chorus	4 types
Brilliance	-3 to +3
Layer (with variable balance)	Yes
Split	Yes
Duet Mode	Yes
Metronome	0,2,3,4,5,6 beats
Transpose	-12 to +12 semi tones
Tuning Control	A4=440Hz +99 cents
Temperament(preset scale)	equal temperament + 16 scales
Recorder	1 Song, 2 Tracks
Preset Songs	60
USB Storage (utilizing PC)	Yes
Speakers	(13cmx6cm) x2
Amplifier	8W + 8W
Terminals
USB to Host (USB MIDI)	Yes, supporting XP, Vista, Mac
Damper (Sustain)	Yes
Connector for SP32 (3 Pedal Unit)	Yes
Headphones	Yes x 2
Accessories
AC Adaptor	Yes(AD-A12150LW)
Music Stand	Yes
Pedal	Yes
Score Book	Yes, SP-3
Dimensions and Weight
Unit size – W x D x H	52.05” x 11.26” x 5.31”
Unit weight in pounds	24.7 lbs
Boxed size – W x D x H	57.48” x 14.53” x 8.35”
Boxed weight	33.52 lbs
Optional Accessories
CS-67	Stand for P-130/330
SP-32	3 Pedal unit providing Sustain, Soft and Sostenuto

PX-330 technical specifications

Keyboard	88 keys, weighted scaled hammer action
Sound Source	4 level stereo samples, Linear Morphing System
Acoustic Resonance	Yes
Polyphony (maximum)	128
Tones	250
General MIDI Compatible	Level 1
Rhythms	180
Auto-Accompaniment	Yes
Reverb	4 types
Chorus	4 types
Brillianance	-3 to +3
Layer (with variable balance)	Yes
Split (with variable split point)	Yes
Registration Memory	Yes
Duet Mode	Yes
Pitch Bend Wheel	Yes
Metronome	0,2,3,4,5,6 beats
Transpose	-12 to +12 semi tones
Tuning Control	A4=440Hz +99 cents
Temperament (preset scale)	equal temperament + 16 scales
Recorder	10 Songs, 16 Tracks
USB Storage (utilizing PC)	Yes
SD Memory Card Storage	Yes
Display	96×32 Back Light LCD
Speakers	(13cmx6cm) x2
Amplifier	8W + 8W
Terminals
Line Out 1/4”	R, L/Mono
Line Input 1/4”	R, L/Mono
MIDI	IN, OUT
USB to Host (USB MIDI)	Yes, supporting XP, Vista, Mac
Damper (Sustain)	Yes
Soft/Sostenuto	Yes
Connector for SP32 (3 Pedal Unit)	Yes
Headphones	Yes x 2
Accessories
AC Adaptor	Yes(AD-A12150LW)
Music Stand	Yes
Pedal	Yes, SP-3
Dimensions and Weight
Unit size – W x D x H	52.05” x 11.26” x 5.31”
Unit weight in pounds	24.7 lbs
Boxed size – W x D x H	57.48” x 14.53” x 8.35”
Boxed weight	33.52 lbs
Optional Accessories
CS-67	Stand for P-130/330
SP-32	3 Pedal unit providing Sustain, Soft and Sostenuto

Popularity: 16% [?]

Recommended Digital Pianos

Here is my current selection of favorite digital pianos that you can buy today.

Yamaha P-85 Digital Piano

More entry level digital piano with Yamaha’s realistic digital samples, realistic graded hammer touch, half pedaling and three pedal support, song recording, variety of other sounds.

Buy the Yamaha P-85 Acoustic-Like Touch Response AWM Stereo Sampled Tabletop Piano

Yamaha DGX630

Graded soft touch full size keyboard from Yamaha, featuring a 6-track recorder, DSP sound effects, a huge range of other sounds, virtual band, half-pedaling support.

Buy the Yamaha DGX630 88 Full-Sized Keys with Weighted Graded Hammer Action – AC Adapter Included

Yamaha P140

The digital piano I currently own. Has a great touch and good sounds. Though superseded by the Yamaha P155, still a recommended purchase. Half-pedaling support, graded hammer weighting.

Buy the Yamaha P-140 Portable Digital Piano

Yamaha CP300

This digital stage piano is specially built to withstand the rigors and requirements of gigging on the road. Authentic touch, a huge range of other sounds, 5-band equalizer.

Buy the Yamaha CP300 Digital Stage Piano

Casio Privia PX120

88-key piano keyboard with weighted keys, touch response, 128 note polyphony, various effects, Auto Accompaniment.

Buy the Casio PX120 Privia Digital Piano

Roland RD-700GX

88 keys PHA II Ivory Feel Keyboard with Escapement, Stereo Multi-sampled Piano Sound, range of other sounds, synthesizer capabilities, sound expansion cards.

Buy the Roland RD-700GX 88-key Digital Piano

Nord Stage EX 88

I love Nord’s range of keyboards, as much for their look as their capabilities. This 88 note stage piano offers both weighted keys and aftertouch, so it’s great for synth work too. Nevertheless, it’s lightweight, and comes with a range of sounds and effects.

Buy the Nord Stage EX 88, 88-Key Stage Piano

Disclaimer: I receive a small percentage of the sale price for anything you buy here, which goes towards maintaining this site. However, I fully endorse these digital pianos regardless of that, as I believe they are of high build quality and offer a great playing experience.

Popularity: 13% [?]

M-Audio DCP-300 digital console piano now available from Avid

The latest in the M-Audio line of digital console pianos has arrived, with Avid’s announcement of the DCP-300.

Main features include:

• Sixteen premium sounds including Steinway Model D concert grand piano plus two vintage electric pianos, FM electric piano, clav, harpsichord, church organ, rock organ, strings, upright bass, electric bass, vibes, choir, fantasia, warm synth pad;
• 64-note polyphony;
• 40-watt stereo speaker system;
• 88-note TruTouch II graded hammer action keyboard
• Three pedals, including sostenuto;
• Built-in USB MIDI;
• Audio inputs;
• built-in 2-track recording with 28,000-note memory;
• layer / split modes;
• reverb / chorus effects;
• Included Session and Sibelius First software;
• two elegant finish options: dark wood-grain and rich walnut.

Available now with a recommended retail price of $1,375.95.

Product page

Popularity: 7% [?]

Yamaha P155 digital piano: Complete specifications and gallery

If you want the lowdown on Yamaha’s new portable digital piano, the P155, then look no further. Here are complete specifications, pictures, and comparison with Yamaha’s earlier P series instruments.

Overview

• The Yamaha P155 features samples taken directly from the CFIIIS 9-foot grand piano
• Uses Yamaha’s Pure CF sampling technology with minimal audio post-processing
• Dynamic Stereo Sampling (DSS) technology features 4-level piano sample
• Key off and open strings samples
• Graded Hammer technology – lower keys are heavier
• 128 note polyphony
• 12W x 2 speakers

Detailed Specifications

P155 Specifications
Keyboard	88 keys, Graded Hammer (GH)
Tone Generation	4-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling
Pure CF Sampling	YES
Key-Off Sampling/Stereo Sustain Sampling	YES
Damper Resonance	YES
Polyphony (Max.)	128
Voices	17
Reverb	4 types
Brilliance	3 types
Effect	4 types
Dual	YES
Split	YES
Metronome	YES
Tuning/Transpose	YES
Scale Tuning Types	7 types
Song Recording	2-track recording/playback, 3 User Song
Preset Songs	7 Demo Songs, 50 Piano Preset Songs
Jacks & Connectors
MIDI	IN/OUT
Headphones	2 (stereo 1/4″ jack)
Pedals	Sustain Pedal, AUX Pedal
AUX OUT (Variable)	L/L+R, R (1/4″ jack)
USB TO DEVICE	YES (song data storage)
Amplifiers	12W x 2
Speakers	(12 x 6) cm x 2
Dimensions (W x D x H)	52-1/2″ x 16-13/16″ x 5-1/2″
Weight	18.6 kg (41 lbs.)
Colors	P-155: Black with Mahogany top-board P-155B: Black with Ebony top-board P-155S: Silver with Cherry top-board

Pictures

Comparison

• Step up in (doubling) polyphony from P140 / P120
• Return to P120’s variable output level 1/4″ audio jacks
• USB output options
• More scale tunings available
• More advanced sampling

Buy Yamaha Digital Pianos at Amazon

Popularity: 19% [?]

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